Ukraine launched at least 337 drones into Russia on Tuesday in what the Russian Ministry of Defense has called the largest drone assault since the start of the war. If confirmed, the attack surpasses Russia’s previous record of 267 drones launched against Ukraine on February 23.
The strike occurred just before scheduled negotiations between US and Ukrainian delegations in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, raising speculation that Kyiv intended the attack as a strategic show of force ahead of the discussions. Ukrainian officials have yet to comment on Russia’s claims.
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According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the Kursk region was a primary target, with 126 Ukrainian drones aimed at the area. Kursk has been under Ukrainian control since Kyiv launched its first cross-border offensive into Russia in August 2024. However, Ukraine has been losing ground in the region over the past week, setbacks that experts attribute in part to the US decision to halt intelligence sharing with Kyiv.
The Moscow region also came under heavy assault, with Russian officials reporting 91 drones downed there. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin stated that more than 70 drones were intercepted before reaching the Russian capital.
The attack comes amid shifting dynamics in US-Ukraine relations. The Trump administration has been pressuring Kyiv to halt strikes inside Russia, advocating instead for a cease-fire focused on air and naval engagements. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz announced on Wednesday that the US had cut off intelligence sharing with Ukraine in an effort to deter further incursions into Russian territory. Despite US diplomatic efforts, Russian President Vladimir Putin has given no indication that he is open to a cease-fire in any domain.
As the conflict continues, Ukraine’s latest drone offensive signals its intent to sustain military pressure on Russia, even as diplomatic discussions unfold. The extent of the damage and casualties from the attack remain unclear, and further responses from both Moscow and Kyiv are expected in the coming days.
